The offseason was officially underway as the Brewers celebrated at Tropicana Field, into the early hours of Thursday morning.
It’s an offseason that appears destined to be divided into distinct halves, with Dec. 1 looming as the date for the collective bargaining agreement’s expiration, signaling the beginning of a lockout by MLB owners anxious to implement a salary cap.
The anticipated lockout could spur top free agents to sign earlier than usual, given the uncertainty of the future landscape.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns likely faces a less active offseason than he had a year ago, when he overhauled the roster. Stearns has indicated the team will, at bare minimum, look for starting pitching help, but it would be somewhat surprising if another bat isn’t added.
